FORESTER (very calmly).

As, for example, just now.

STEIN.

You have made up your mind to annoy me.

FORESTER.

Nonsense!  You only want to pick a quarrel.  STEIN.  I?  But why do you immediately trump, when I play a wrong card?

FORESTER.

Playing a wrong card means losing the game.

STEIN (throwing down his cards).

Well, there you have the whole business!

[Jumps up.]

FORESTER.  I deal.

[Shuffles calmly and deals.]

STEIN (has taken a few steps).

I am not going to play any more with you.

FORESTER (unconcerned).

But it is my turn to deal.

STEIN (sits down again).

Obstinate old fellow!

FORESTER.

You immediately lose your temper.

STEIN (taking his cards; still angry).

You would not give in, even if it were as clear as day that you are wrong!

SCENE VII

The same.  Enter MOeLLER, leading in SOPHY; WILKENS. The waltz outside is finished.

SOPHY.

But now I think that—­

FORESTER.

One more turn.

SOPHY.

Everything is ready—­

FORESTER.

The pastor—­

SOPHY.

He sent word that we are not to wait lunch for him.  But he would be here at eleven o’clock sharp for the betrothal.

FORESTER.

Then sit down and eat.

STEIN.

Please, do not let us detain you.

FORESTER.

It is immaterial whether we sit here or there.  Now then!  Forty in spades.

[Continuing to play.]

STEIN.

All right!  Go ahead.

FORESTER (triumphantly).

Are not you thinking of Godfrey again?  And the clearing?  Hey?

STEIN (controlling himself).

Now you see—­

FORESTER (more excited).

That the fellow is a fool—­Queens are trumps.

STEIN.

I’m bearing in mind that we are not alone.

FORESTER (excited by the game).

And trump—­and trump!—­the forest shall be cleared!

STEIN.

That will do, I say.  The idea was mine.

FORESTER.

And trump.

STEIN.

And if I—­[He controls himself.]

FORESTER (triumphantly).

Well, what then?

[Puts the cards together.]

STEIN (making a desperate effort to contain himself).

And if I should wish to have it so—­if I should insist upon it—­then—­
FORESTER.

Everything would remain as it is.

STEIN.

The forest would be cleared.